Call for Papers
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) - Visiting Research Scholars Program

The Research Department, in collaboration with the Institutions for Development Sector of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is now accepting applications for the newly established Visiting Research Scholars Program in the fields of Economics, Political Science or related fields. Salary is Competitive.

Start Date: Multiple dates between April 2013 and March 2014
Application Deadline: February 20, 2013

DESCRIPTION: This program was created to address a growing demand to strengthen policy-oriented and operationally-relevant knowledge in the public sector, governance, and capacity building, with particular focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

To achieve this goal, the program seeks to foster close collaboration among academics, IDB staff, and government officials responsible for designing and implementing reforms to modernize the state. The program is housed at IDB headquarters in Washington, DC. Visiting Scholars are required to be in residence for the duration of their appointment, which can range from 3 (preferably at least 6) to 12 months.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants can be promising young scholars as well as established scholars from institutions of higher learning and advanced academic research (on leave, on sabbatical, or seeking a postdoctoral appointment), or accomplished policymakers with a minimum of 10 years of experience and exceptional knowledge of the region.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants are required to hold a PhD in Economics, Political Science or related field (applications from PhD Candidates close to graduation will also be accepted). The positions are open to applicants with a keen intellectual interest and demonstrated academic or professional excellence in one or more of the following issues: 1) Governance, transparency and corruption; 2) Institutional strengthening and institutional reform; 3) Crime and violence, with lessons for improving citizen security and social cohesion; 4) Innovation policy and new technologies; 5) Political economy of decentralization and local governance; and 6) Impact evaluation, in particular that of institution-strengthening programs.

PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A VISITING RESEARCH SCHOLAR: The program offers fellows the opportunity to combine independent research with active involvement in the IDB's programs and activities. Fellows enjoy full access to the IDB's library and electronic resources. Most interestingly, they have access to a broad network of practitioners, scholars, and policymakers, and in collaboration with IDB staff they may have access to funds for financing field research. They are also welcome to attend all events, such as research and policy seminars, talks, and workshops, including the DC Political Economy and Comparative Politics seminar, which was created to foster collaboration with top academics working in the DC area.

Some of the activities expected from the Visiting Research Scholars include a) presentations at meetings and seminars, b) production of working paper(s), c) consultation with and advice to government officials, d) guidance and feedback on specific projects carried out by the Bank, and e) evaluation of research proposals and knowledge products. The specific outputs and activities, to be agreed upon by the fellow and the selection committee prior to the start of the program, will be based on the fellow's research proposal and expertise as well as on the IDB's interests.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: A complete application consists of the following materials:
- A cover letter/letter of introduction (no more than 1 page)
- A research proposal addressing the following (no more than 3 pages)\ Title of proposed project while in residence at the IDB
Research goals during period of affiliation
Description of research project and work plan
Proposed arrival date and length of stay
- Curriculum vitae, including list of top 5 publications
- At least 3 references

Applications must be submitted through the following link no later than February 20, 2013: https://iadbcareers.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=59661

FURTHER INFORMATION: For additional information, please contact: VScholars@iadb.org

For more information about the Research Department at the IDB please visit: http://www.iadb.org/en/about-us/departments/research-department-about-us,3777.html